From http://www.harness.org.au/news-arti...m?news_id=34657

"Australia’s harness racing industry is moving towards a wrist-only use of the whip in racing following extensive consultations with industry participants.

The wrist-only plan comes after Harness Racing Australia said that, following the consultations, it became clear that it could not meet the 1 September deadline for implementing whip free racing.

The move to whip free racing has been put on hold because of widespread driver and Steward concerns about maintaining safety for drivers and horses".

"Mr Kelly said the decision of the Annual General Meeting of HRA in October 2016 to remove the use of whips from racing as a performance tool remained in place, and that HRA would continue to work with State bodies and consult with the industry in this important issue".